The president of the local firefighters' union said they plan to appeal the decision.

A complaint first surfaced in December 2013 when a citizen accused Mitchell of engaging in sexual activity while temporarily assigned to Station 36 in Old Hickory.

The citizen also said Mitchell had sex at Station 3 while it was located in the old Fire Marshal's building in East Nashville, according to a disciplinary letter sent to Mitchell.

An investigation found the consensual sex happened while Mitchell was on duty, violating several policies including rules against sexual activity in the workplace and allowing visitors in the dormitories.

A panel met Feb. 11 and Mitchell was found guilty of all charges and fired immediately. He has the right to appeal the decision before the Civil Service Commission within 15 days, Lawson said.

"The investigation of Firefighter Joel Mitchell shows no evidence of wrong doing at any fire station," said Mark A. Young, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 140.

"No evidence was presented that would warrant termination. We do not condone this type of activity," Young said.

"However this is nothing more than a case of revenge. We have started the appeal process and strongly believe this will be overturned."

A social worker speaks with News 4 about why she believes the state needs to reform its Safekeeper Law. Under the law, those awaiting trial in county jails across the state can be moved to a state prison if that jail cannot treat an inmate's medical condition.

A social worker speaks with News 4 about why she believes the state needs to reform its Safekeeper Law. Under the law, those awaiting trial in county jails across the state can be moved to a state prison if that jail cannot treat an inmate's medical condition.

A mother and her six-year-old daughter were transported to the hospital after a man crashed his pickup truck into their home early Saturday morning. The incident occurred on Horn Tavern Road in Fairview. Tennessee Highway Patrol officers are currently searching for the suspect, who ran from the scene on foot.

A mother and her six-year-old daughter were transported to the hospital after a man crashed his pickup truck into their home early Saturday morning. The incident occurred on Horn Tavern Road in Fairview. Tennessee Highway Patrol officers are currently searching for the suspect, who ran from the scene on foot.

Airline employee Denice Miracle is credited with saving two teenage girls from a human trafficking plot. She said she first noticed something was wrong when the girls approached the check-in counter with their bags -- but no ID.

Airline employee Denice Miracle is credited with saving two teenage girls from a human trafficking plot. She said she first noticed something was wrong when the girls approached the check-in counter with their bags -- but no ID.

Minutes from meetings attended by the executive director of the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency show he was not in attendance, yet he received per diem, reimbursement of gas mileage and hotels in order to attend those meetings.

Minutes from meetings attended by the executive director of the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency show he was not in attendance, yet he received per diem, reimbursement of gas mileage and hotels in order to attend those meetings.